Ladd Dental Group

One of the most rewarding parts of what we do isn't just growing practices or serving patients—it's the opportunity to work alongside genuinely talented, humble, and grateful people. Dr. Bala Sankurati is a perfect example of that. His dedication to dentistry , passion for learning, and commitment to providing exceptional patient care are inspiring on their own. But what stands out even more is his gratitude, humility, and the positive attitude he brings to our team every single day. We're incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Bala serving patients at our Kokomo and Peru locations. Surrounding yourself with people who are driven to make a difference while remaining kind and appreciative makes all the difference. Thank you, Dr. Bala, for being an outstanding clinician, an exceptional teammate, and an inspiration to all of us at LADD Dental Group . We're excited for everything we'll accomplish together!

As we continue to get ready for the opening of LADD Dental Group of Rushville , we've been reflecting on the incredible people who have helped make this journey possible. Today, we want to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Douglas Morrell for the remarkable partnership we've built throughout this process. When we purchased Dr. Morrell's medical office building in Rushville, we knew we were acquiring a wonderful location with a long history of caring for the community. What we didn't fully appreciate at the time was just how invaluable Dr. Morrell himself would become throughout the transition. From day one, Dr. Morrell has been much more than the previous owner of the building—he has been a true partner. His willingness to share his knowledge, offer guidance, answer questions, and help us navigate the many details involved in preparing the practice has been extraordinary. His support has made what could have been a challenging transition feel like a collaborative ef...

 At LADD Dental Group of Rushville , we believe that providing exceptional dental care starts with creating an environment where our patients feel comfortable, confident, and cared for from the moment they walk through our doors. That's why we are incredibly grateful to officially welcome our brand-new A-dec dental chairs to our newly renovated Rushville office! A-dec has long been recognized as one of the most trusted names in dentistry . Their commitment to quality, innovation, ergonomics, and patient comfort aligns perfectly with our own mission of delivering outstanding dental care to every patient we have the privilege to serve. These new chairs will help us provide a more comfortable experience for our patients while allowing our doctors and clinical team to work more efficiently and precisely throughout each appointment. Every investment we make in our practice is made with one goal in mind—improving the patient experience. Whether you're visiting us for a routine clea...

Ten years ago, many dental office build-outs could be completed in the $100–$150 per square foot range. Today, depending on complexity, technology integration, and finishes, many projects are landing closer to $250–$400+ per square foot. Specialized operatories, advanced imaging, sterilization requirements, HVAC, plumbing, electrical upgrades, and custom cabinetry have dramatically increased the cost of building modern dental practices . And yet, behind every successful dental office project is a team of hardworking local contractors, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, framers, painters, flooring installers, and suppliers who make these spaces come to life. At LADD Dental Group , we have seen firsthand how much dedication and craftsmanship goes into building and renovating healthcare spaces. These are not simple office projects — dental build-outs require precision, problem solving, coordination, and an incredible amount of technical expertise. Every operatory, every mechan...

Ten years ago, many dentists could build out a beautiful office for $100–$150 per square foot. Today, hearing numbers closer to $250 per square foot — and sometimes significantly more — has become the new reality for dental startups, expansions, and relocations. That sticker shock is not just inflation. Dental offices are some of the most infrastructure-heavy healthcare spaces in commercial real estate. A modern dental build-out now includes: Specialized plumbing for every operatory Medical-grade electrical systems Compressed air and vacuum lines Sterilization centers with enhanced ventilation IT infrastructure and digital workflow integration Custom cabinetry and millwork Rising permit, labor, and compliance costs Every additional operatory dramatically increases complexity. In many cases, a single operatory can add tens of thousands of dollars in infrastructure before equipment is even installed. What has changed the most over the past decade? 📈 Labor costs ...

Heavy Treasury refinancing + a (re)expanding Fed balance sheet typically means liquidity is rising, but so is long-term uncertainty around rates, inflation, and asset values . That’s not a doomsday setup—but it is an environment where positioning matters a lot. For a dental group, I’d think about this in three layers: balance sheet, operations, and strategy. 1. Balance Sheet: Don’t get caught on the wrong side of rates Even if the Fed is adding liquidity, the Treasury issuing massive debt can keep longer-term rates elevated (or at least volatile). Implications: Floating-rate debt is a risk Refinancing windows may be unpredictable Lenders get more selective late-cycle What to do: Lock in fixed-rate debt where you can (or hedge floating exposure) Avoid over-leveraging on acquisitions assuming “easy refinancing later” Build cash reserves (3–6 months of expenses minimum for multi-site groups) If you’re planning a large project (buildout, equipment), consider pull...

 If you’ve noticed more dental offices stepping away from insurance networks, you’re not imagining it. Across the country, dentists are re-evaluating their participation with insurance plans—and in many cases, choosing to go out-of-network altogether. At the center of this shift is a simple reality: the cost of delivering care is rising faster than what insurance companies are willing to pay. Let’s break down what’s driving this trend and what it means moving forward. The Squeeze: Rising Costs vs. Flat Reimbursements Running a dental practice in 2025 looks very different than it did even a few years ago. Dental equipment and materials are up approximately 6% Wages are rising faster than inflation , especially for hygienists and dental assistants Overhead costs—from rent to technology—continue to climb At the same time, insurance reimbursement rates have remained largely unchanged . This creates a growing gap: The cost to provide care is increasing… but the amount dentists are p...

 At first glance, farming and dentistry couldn’t feel more different. One happens in open fields, the other in clinical operatories. But when you look a little closer, both are built on the same foundation: consistency, care, patience, and long-term thinking. Some of the best principles in dentistry aren’t new—they’ve been practiced by farmers for generations. 1. You Reap What You Sow Farmers understand that what they plant today determines what they harvest months later. The same is true in dentistry . Every patient interaction, every team investment, every marketing effort—these are seeds. If you consistently plant trust, education, and high-quality care, the return shows up in patient loyalty, referrals, and long-term growth. Shortcuts might produce quick wins, but sustainable practices are built season by season. 2. Consistency Beats Intensity Farming isn’t about one great day of work—it’s about showing up every single day and doing the fundamentals well. Dentistry ...

 As we look toward the future, one thing is clear—our ability to grow and scale isn’t just dependent on what we do internally. It’s directly tied to the strength of the partnerships we build and the people who stand alongside us. Growth Doesn’t Happen in Isolation Over the past several years, we’ve experienced significant growth—adding practices, welcoming new doctors, and serving thousands of new patients across Indiana . But none of that has happened in a vacuum. Dentistry today is more complex than ever. Clinical excellence is just one piece of the puzzle. Technology, operations, staffing, patient financing, education, and infrastructure all play critical roles. To truly scale a modern dental organization, you need partners who are exceptional in their lanes—and aligned with your mission. Partnering with People Who Do It Right We’ve been intentional about who we choose to work with. Not just vendors, but true partners—organizations that share our belief in long-term thinki...

  Why So Many Dental Practices Have Deferred Maintenance 1. Dentists Focus on Clinical Work, Not Facilities Most dentists are trained to focus on patient care, not building management . So things like: aging compressors worn dental chairs outdated X-ray units failing cabinetry software upgrades get pushed down the priority list unless something breaks. 2. Cash Flow Gets Redirected Many owners prioritize: paying down student loans saving for retirement reducing working hours hiring staff Instead of reinvesting in: new technology office updates equipment replacement cycles So maintenance becomes reactive instead of proactive . 3. “I’m Selling Soon” Syndrome This is probably the biggest reason . Dentists within 3–7 years of retirement often stop investing because they think: “Why would I put $300k into the practice if I’m selling soon?” Ironically, this usually costs them more in valuation . 4. Rapid Technology Changes ...

 Over the past decade, the dental industry experienced an unprecedented wave of consolidation. Private equity capital flowed into the profession, Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) expanded rapidly, and large multi-location platforms became a major force in the market. Recently, however, two major organizations— Dental Care Alliance and Affordable Care —have reportedly been taken over by their lenders following financial restructuring challenges. For many in the profession, this raises an important question: What does this mean for the future of dentistry ? The answer is nuanced, but it may signal a turning point for how dental organizations are built and financed going forward. The End of the “Growth at Any Cost” Era For many DSOs, the growth strategy of the past decade was simple: acquire as many practices as possible as quickly as possible. Low interest rates and strong investor appetite made this strategy viable. Debt financing allowed organizations to purchase pract...

 ❄️ Weather Closure Notice – Monday, January 26, 2026 ❄️ Due to the winter weather event yesterday and nearly 10 inches of snow accumulation , all LADD Dental Group locations will be closed today, January 26, 2026 . The safety of our patients and team members is always our top priority, and current road conditions make travel unsafe in many areas. We appreciate your understanding and patience. Our teams will be reaching out to reschedule appointments as quickly as possible. If you have an urgent dental need, please leave us a message and we will follow up as soon as conditions allow. Stay warm, stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you soon! ☃️🦷 — LADD Dental Group  

 Across the country, dental practices—both new and established—are feeling the pressure of rising commercial lease rates. As real estate costs climb, many practices are wondering: Are lease rates now one of the biggest threats to profitability and growth in dentistry ? The short answer is: yes —but there are strategic paths forward. What’s Happening with Dental Office Lease Rates? Over the last few years, commercial real estate markets have seen significant shifts. Factors like limited office space availability, higher construction costs, and stronger demand for prime real estate have contributed to increasing lease rates in key suburban and urban markets. For dental practices, which rely on a comfortable and accessible physical space to serve patients, this trend poses a real challenge: Higher operational expenses Tighter profit margins Increased financial risk for startups and expansions Why This Matters for Dentistry Unlike many service industries, dental car...

 The saying “nothing brings a crowd quite like a crowd” applies very directly to successful dental practices because people naturally look to others for signals of trust, quality, and safety—especially when it comes to healthcare. In dentistry , a busy, thriving practice signals credibility . When patients see full schedules, active waiting rooms, strong online reviews, and friends or family already receiving care there, it reassures them that the practice is doing something right. Dentistry involves vulnerability and trust, so social proof plays a powerful role. If others are choosing—and staying with—a practice, new patients feel more confident doing the same. This principle also fuels word-of-mouth growth , which remains the most effective driver of high-quality dental patients. Happy patients talk. They refer family members, coworkers, and friends. Each positive experience compounds, creating momentum that attracts even more patients. Over time, success becomes self-reinf...

 At LADD Dental Group , our purpose has always been clear: provide exceptional, accessible dental care to Indiana families while creating an environment where great dentists can do their best work. One of the most important—yet often misunderstood—parts of achieving that mission is dentist recruitment. Recruiting the right dentists isn’t just a growth strategy. It’s a patient care strategy. Great Patient Experiences Start With Great Dentists Every positive dental experience begins with the clinician in the operatory. Clinical skill, chairside manner, communication style, and judgment all directly impact outcomes, comfort, and trust. When we invest time and resources into recruiting talented, compassionate dentists, our patients feel the difference immediately. Strong recruitment allows us to: Reduce wait times and improve appointment availability Maintain continuity of care as communities grow Match patients with dentists who fit their clinical and personal needs ...

 In a world filled with online ads, sponsored posts, and endless marketing messages, one thing still stands above the rest: a personal recommendation from someone you trust. At LADD Dental Group , word-of-mouth referrals are the foundation of our growth. When a patient tells a friend, family member, or coworker, “You should go there—they really take care of you,” that means more to us than any advertisement ever could. Why Word-of-Mouth Referrals Are So Powerful Word-of-mouth referrals are built on trust. When someone recommends their dentist , they’re putting their own reputation on the line. That tells us we’ve done more than just provide dental care —we’ve created a positive, memorable experience. Patients who come to us through referrals often: Feel more confident and relaxed before their first visit Have higher trust in our doctors and team from day one Are more likely to stay long-term and refer others themselves Simply put, great experiences create great conv...